What we learned from Kansas City Chiefs’ preseason win against the Arizona Cardinals
The Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive starters — including quarterback Patrick Mahomes — might’ve taken their last snaps of the 2023 preseason.
And if that’s the case, they should feel just fine after a much better effort in Saturday’s 38-10 exhibition victory over the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Following a pair of punts, KC’s offense under Mahomes was excellent on its third drive. The Chiefs went 92 yards on 10 plays, with Justin Watson completing things with an 18-yard touchdown reception.
That TD throw was a good encapsulation of two positions that stood out for the Chiefs all night: quarterback and offensive line.
When Mahomes broke contain and rolled out to find Watson, no defender was nearby. It was like that much of the night for Mahomes, as new tackles Donovan Smith and Jawaan Taylor flashed for a second straight week as potential dominant pass-blockers.
Another big storyline for the Chiefs was quarterback ... and not just Mahomes.
Shane Buechele was a surprise pick as the second QB on Saturday, but he delivered for a second straight week. He led an 88-yard touchdown march on the Chiefs’ next possession, capping it with a 15-yard run of his own.
After Mahomes finished 10-for-15 for 105 passing yards, Buechele followed that up by going 10-for-10 for 105 passing yards with his rushing score.
Blaine Gabbert was strong as well during his time in the second half. He orchestrated two third-quarter touchdown drives, with Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Cornell Powell adding touchdown catches.
KC’s starters were solid defensively, as Arizona’s first-teamers were held scoreless. The Chiefs also seemed eager to put their rookies in the mix there, with fourth-round safety Chamarri Conner and sixth-round defensive tackle Keondre Coburn notably elevating themselves to get some first-quarter reps.
Another first-year player impressed, too. Receiver Rashee Rice — a second-round pick out of SMU — had eight catches for 96 yards while showing an array of tackle-breaking moves and a willingness to seek out contact.
A smaller item to note: Receiver Richie James took first-team kickoff-return reps after Deneric Prince had previously handled those duties. Coach Andy Reid said recently that Prince had been struggling to push through physically after having extended practice time with the team this summer and in training camp. La’Mical Perine also received carries before Prince did in Saturday’s game.
The Chiefs finish preseason play with a noon home game on Saturday, Aug. 26 against the Cleveland Browns.
